More than one of the five Tertians enrolled in the Nicholas Kluiters European Tertianship Programme had to hear that question from friendly companions. Thankfully, the common response was a big smile. Eziokwu, Artur, Shigi, Matthew and Krystian met in Cairo last September for the launching of the 2024-2025 class. They compose the fourth cohort of tertians to join this programme. As soon as we gathered in Cairo, the situation deteriorated in Lebanon very quickly. It was wise to run the programme in Egypt. We had one month. This is what the tourist visas allow. Of course, we could ask for an extension, but it wasn’t needed. Artur went to Dublin, then to Armenia where he worked with the Missionaries of Charity (MC). Shigi did his experiment with the MC in Sri Lanka. Krystian was in Athens, helping with the Polish Parish, and joined the MC as well. Matthew and Eziokwu went back to Nigeria, the former to work in the Kukah Center in Abuja, and the latter to resume his work as Socius. We had online classes twice a week.

Now we gather again in Cairo. As I write these lines, Matthew is flying over the Sahara. We will start the Long Retreat on Sunday 9 February in the evening, together with the Novices of the PRO Province, in the Coptic Catholic Monastery of the Annunciation. We will finish on March 12. Eziokwu could not join us, because of inescapable commitments. He travelled to Lebanon in January to do his Long Retreat with me, before I left to Egypt.

After the retreat, we will have some days of rest, then each will go to a new destination (unless otherwise decided with me) to proceed with the study of the Institute while making community with companions in different places. The plan is to meet again end of May, in Egypt, for the conclusion of this year’s programme.

Events have dictated this course. But the generosity of the tertians has made that course very fruitful. It was not what I had chosen for them, but it was what God has chosen for us all. So, what kind of tertianship is that? One of the best kinds, I’m sure!

Dany Younes

Tertian instructor